Queensland Rugby League great, Wally Lewis is now officially a sporting legend.

The ‘King’ has become the 38th Hall of Fame member to be elevated to the higher status.

Jennifer Martinez reports.

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The rugby league star began his first class career in 1978.

He went on to become Maroon’s captain 30 times times, and also led his country.

Last night he thanked his fans and fellow players for that success.

Wally Lewis, Rugby League Great: “They are the people that gave me so much help on the football field and made me feel so much more comfortable and made me feel very very lucky.”

At the same function Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to win the Don Award for sporting excellence.

She took it out for her outstanding victory at the Melbourne Cup.

That was recognised as the most inspiring sports performance over the past year.

Michelle Payne, Jockey: “It was sort of, I don’t know, it felt like a win that was meant to be and um, you know, I’m trying to carry it on that, you know, we need more opportunities to show we can do as good as the men.”

Another eight new members were also inducted into the Hall of Fame, including swimmer Libby Trickett and golfer Jack Newton.

Jennifer Martinez, QUT News.